Phoenix ranks among cities with most rodent activity

It’s rodent season, Phoenix.

And, with cooler temperatures on the horizon, Valley residents can expect those pesky critters to be more and more of a presence.

A new ranking, by Orkin, listed the “Top 50 Rattiest Cities” in the U.S. and it’s no surprise the cities at the top of the list are the most populated. Orkin came up with the ranking by measuring the number of rodent treatments the company performed in U.S. cities over the past year.

Chicago, New York and Los Angeles top this year’s list.

Phoenix, with about 4.5 million residents, fell toward the bottom at No. 44.

Recently, it seems rodents have captured a bit of the spotlight and some fascination with some.

In 2016, critically-acclaimed director, Morgan Spurlock tackled his documentary, “Rats,” which chronicles mice in larger areas such as New York City. That film is currently airing on Netflix.

But rodents come with troublesome traits.

The National Pest Management Association says more than 20 million invade homes each year. For instance, rodents can carry diseases such as Hantavirus, salmonella and plague.

According to Blue Sky Pest Control, house mice can produce 50 droppings per day and squeeze into openings as small as a quarter. House mice like to nest in dark, places with plenty of cotton and fabric materials.

By contrast, roof rats use utility lines to enter buildings and aren’t likely to leave tracks or droppings behind.

Roof rats, a nocturnal creature, are non-native species to Arizona and began showing up in the state in the early 2000s. Warm weather and easy access to citrus trees and nearby canals have helped them thrive. Roof rats have black fur and a lighter underbelly. The critters are seven to eight inches in length and have a long, hairless tail.

Experts recommend inspecting your home for rodent droppings and rub marks around baseboards and walls. Think like a rodent – are there possible entry ways in your home?

To combat this, homeowners can install weather strips around entryways and under doors and keep food tightly sealed.

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